An Garbh-ard

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Argyllshire

Scotland

An Garbh-ard

Coll - Arinagour - View from rear of Coll Hotel Looking across Loch Eatharna from the helipad at the back of the Coll Hotel to the many islets in the bay and, on the far left, part of the main island of Coll. The main islet seen at centre is Eilean Eatharna.
The hotel is situated in the village of Arinagour, the chief settlement on the Isle of Coll. — Coll - Arinagour - View from rear of Coll Hotel Credit: Rob Farrow

An Garbh-ard is a prominent headland located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated along the rugged coastline, it is known for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic views of the surrounding landscape. The headland extends out into the sea, forming a distinctive point that juts out into the water.

The name "An Garbh-ard" translates to "the rough height" in Gaelic, which aptly describes the character of this coastal feature. It is characterized by steep cliffs that rise up from the water, creating a striking visual contrast between the deep blue sea and the rocky terrain. The cliffs are composed of rugged rock formations, shaped by the forces of erosion over thousands of years.

The headland is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with various species of seabirds nesting along the cliffs. Visitors to An Garbh-ard can witness the spectacular sight of these birds soaring through the air or perched on the rocky ledges.

Due to its exposed location, An Garbh-ard is often subject to strong winds and crashing waves, adding to its wild and untamed allure. The turbulent waters surrounding the headland make it a popular spot for experienced surfers and other water sports enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush.

In addition to its natural beauty, An Garbh-ard also holds historical significance. The area is dotted with ancient ruins, including the remains of a medieval castle perched on top of the headland. These remnants provide a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the region.

Overall, An Garbh-ard is a breathtaking coastal feature that offers visitors a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Scotland's coastline while immersing themselves in its natural and historical wonders.

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An Garbh-ard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.612164/-6.525949 or Grid Reference NM2255. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Coll - Arinagour - View from rear of Coll Hotel

Looking across Loch Eatharna from the helipad at the back of the Coll Hotel to the many islets in the bay and, on the far left, part of the main island of Coll. The main islet seen at centre is Eilean Eatharna. The hotel is situated in the village of Arinagour, the chief settlement on the Isle of Coll.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Houses on Main Street from Coll Hotel

Looking southwards from the side of Coll Hotel looking along Shore Street and Main Street of Arinagour, the chief settlement on the Isle of Coll.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - 90mm gun

This old 90mm gun was recovered by divers from a wreck off the coast and placed here between the ferry port and the village of Arinagour on the Isle of Coll.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - View out to sea from the Coll Hotel

Taken from the garden of NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - The Coll Hotel looking out to sea. The little islet in the centre of the image is Eilean Eatharna, with the sea loch here being Loch Eatharna.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - The Coll Hotel

A view of the Coll Hotel from its grounds in the evening. The white building on the right contains the accommodation while the stone and glass building on the left is the bar and restaurant. To quote from their own website: "The Coll Hotel was recently awarded ‘Independent Hotel of the Year’ at the 2020 CIS Excellence Awards. The Coll Hotel retained the ‘Scottish Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year’ at the 2021 SLTN Awards. It was also awarded ‘Scottish Island Hotel of the Year’ two years running by Hotel Review Scotland and received the prestigious ‘Flavour of Scotland Thistle Award’". Their own website here: Link

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Coll Hotel three-quarter view

Looking from the grounds of NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - The Coll Hotel at the older part of the hotel which contains the accommodation.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Coll Hotel - Rear entrance

This is the rear of NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - The Coll Hotel but is the main entrance to it from the village and from its car park.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Coll Hotel gardens

A view across the gardens on the southeastern side of NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - The Coll Hotel with the village of Arinagour in the background.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - View across The Smiddy to the village

As 'The Smiddy' means a smithy, i.e. a blacksmith's workplace, I'm not sure that this little inlet is actually called that, but that is what the map suggests. The houses along Shore Street and Main Street can be seen on the left, heading southwards out from the centre of the village of Arinagour. Taken from NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Coll Hotel gardens

Rob Farrow

Coll - Eilean Eatharna

The small domed island seen out to sea here is Eilean Eatharna, a small island in Loch Eatharna a sea loch to the south of Arinagour, the chief settlement on the Isle of Coll. This view taken from NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Coll Hotel gardens It is about 9.4acres (3.8ha) in area at the high water mark, considerably larger at low tide. It rises to a little over 10m (33') and has never been populated. In front of it is the small pillar on Sgeir Dhubh (Black Skerry) - see NM2256 : Coll - Sgeir Dhubh and Cairn na Burgh Beg & More

Rob Farrow

Coll - Sgeir Dhubh and Cairn na Burgh Beg & More

The dark little pillar is on the islet of Sgeir Dhubh (Black Skerry) in Loch Eatharna to the south of Arinagour on Coll. The sloping land immediately behind it is the tip of NM2356 : Coll - Eilean Eatharna while in the background can be seen the two northernmost of the Treshnish Isles, Cairn na Burgh Beg (on left) and its larger companion Cairn na Burgh More. These islands are unusual in 'sharing' a castle, some of the ruins of which can just be discerned in this image on the larger island. The photo was taken from NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Coll Hotel gardens.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Shore Street

Looking down Shore Street from near to NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - The Island Café. A little further on this street changes its name to Main Street as it heads out of the village southwards. See the attached Arinagour description for links to 1930s photos of these houses.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Cottages on Main Street

These are the last five cottages on Main Street in Arinagour as you go through the village heading southwards. They are numbered 1 to 5 (with No.1 being the furthest away in this photo). Main Street is a seamless continuation of Shore Street. This is the opposite view to NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Numbers 1 to 5, Main Street See the attached Arinagour description for links to 1930s photos of these houses.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - The Island CafÃ©

This splendid little café is opposite Arinagour's harbour on Shore Street. The road just beyond it on the left leads up to the Post Office. The café is the only place to eat on Coll apart from the Coll Hotel - but note that they are only open Wed - Fri for dinner, or Wed - Sat for breakfast & lunch [Info as at 2022]. See their website here: Link

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Numbers 1 to 5, Main Street

These are the first five houses on Main Street as one enters from the south (e.g. from the ferry). A little further on the street changes its name to Shore Street. They were built early in the C19th (c.1812 I believe) to house workers on the Laird's estate. They originally had flat roofs but these were replaced with the current pitched ones in the 1930s. This is the opposite view to NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Cottages on Main Street See the attached Arinagour description for links to 1930s photos of these houses.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Northern end of Shore Street

This is the opposite view to NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Shore Street looking in a northerly-ish direction. The little building in the distance with the red door is the island's fire station at NM22395724 See the attached Arinagour description for links to 1930s photos of these houses.

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Entering the village from the south

As you approach Arinagour from the ferry this is the first glimpse of the old village though a set back row of cottages and a few more modern building are off to the left (west) beforehand. The cottages ahead on the left can be seen in a closer view here: NM2257 : Coll - Arinagour - Numbers 1 to 5, Main Street See also shared descriptions below:

Rob Farrow

Coll - Arinagour - Coastguard station and vehicle

Coll's little coastguard station with its Search & Rescue Land Rover parked in front is towards the south of the village of Arinagour on the way to the ferry terminal.

Rob Farrow

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An Garbh-ard is located at Grid Ref: NM2255 (Lat: 56.612164, Lng: -6.525949)

Unitary Authority: Argyll and Bute

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire